Microcrafts....Tiny Crafts with BIG Appeal

I am a sucker for a book - any book,

but especially craft books

(OK, and fashion books, and vintage cookbooks,
and etiquette books, and wedding books...)

Anyway, I am a huge fan of

real - life - hardcover - glossy - pages - in - my - hands - books.

When asked if I would take a peek at the new book
Microcrafts: Tiny Treasure to Make and Share from Quirk Books
I jumped at the chance. And I was not disappointed.

This book is beautifully put together with teeny tiny crafts that anyone can recreate - even me and I am a big messy crafter! In fact a friend was here flipping through the book and she said "Even I can make some of these!" (she thinks she is not that crafty...but she is very creative!)

The quality of the book and the images is pretty enough to leave out as a coffee table book - HUGE PLUS! The crafts range from sweet little stuffed toys

to miniature books

to sweet pendants.

There truly is a little something for everyone.

The authors, Margaret McGuire, Alicia Kachmar, Katie Hatz, and Friends have done a magnificent job compiling a unique, fun and very doable collection of tiny crafts you can treasure. I have my eye on completing quite a few.

This would be a really fun gift for a crafty (or semi-crafty) friend.

What do ya think? You ready to give Microcrafts a try?

Disclosure: One book was provided to me for review from Quirk Books. Please see my full "Disclosure" in the top navigation bar

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DIY! Mason Jar Jack O'Lanterns

Every year I try to ignore the holidays and they creep up on me. For Halloween I actually had some fun ideas - 2 separate themes - I was going to go all out...but life took over instead. Next year - expect amazing things (my fingers are crossed as as I type this).

I did manage to get ONE project done 3 MONTHS AHEAD

and still barely am getting it posted early.

Anyway...I received a bottle of DecoArt Crystal Gloss Enamels about 3 months ago and inspiration struck for 2 projects - one for Halloween and one because I loved it (that post is coming!).

This is my favorite kind of holiday crafts - one the kids and I can do together! It is SUPER-EASY! Although they wondered why we were painting pumpkins in July!

I have used the Gloss Enamels many times and love them...but I may have found a new love - look at the gorgeous translucent color Crystal Gloss Enamels gives, so I combined the two here.

SUPPLIES

• DecoArt Crystal Gloss Enamels in Bright Orange
• DecoArt Gloss Enamels in Black
• DecoArt Gloss Enamels in Avocado
• Rockler Foam brush
• Small tipped paint brush
• Mason jars or left over jars (I LOVE Using left over jars for projects like this). This is also super cute done with an Ivy bowl (you know those round bowls with the waving lips...I made one and dropped it before I took the photo - it is that kind of week!)

Optional

Canvas Corp Jute Rope

Hot Glue/Hot Glue Gun

DIY IT!
Go check out the full tutorial at The DIY Club!It is easy and fun!

NOTE: By the way...there have been about a million tutorials on tinting glass jars on blogs/Internet since I made these. This is the method I used and it worked for me.

Paint and Bake

Decorate and Display!

For display, I added some dried beans to the bottom of the jar to hide the base of my tea lights (on Halloween night I will use battery operated candles outside)

Nestle candles into the beans.

You can also use these as fun vases - the Pink Jars I made had water/flowers in them for 2 weeks and the paint stayed perfect!

So, this is pretty easy craft -

the kids can do it, it can be done with things around the house

and the paint is really inexpensive too!

How are you coming on your Halloween Decorating?

DID YOU ENTER TO WIN THE SOCAL SOCIAL SWAG YET. I HAVE 2 BAGS TO GIVEAWAY!

Disclosure: Some products received through the DIY Club. See my full disclosure policy in the top navigation bar.

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SoCal Social Wrap Up and SWAG GIVEAWAY! - CLOSED

A couple Saturday's ago, I was soaking up the SoCal sun (ah, home sweet home) at the SoCal Social. Beverly of Flamingo Toes, Vivienne of The V-Spot and myself had worked for months to put this soiree together. We came up with a fun and unique idea that worked out fabulously! We wanted something fun and different and in the end,
I believe we achieved that goal. 

(Just in case you are keeping track this is the first event I have been to that I promised a recap of and have actually delivered! About time, eh!)

I must say that an event like this is not possible without major planning, cooperation, and IDEAS...and Sponsors. Working with Viv and Bev was awesome and we had the most generous sponsors. I highly encourage you to check out the sidebar on the SoCal Social Page! Thanks to our amazing sponsors we were able to provide attendees with awesome swag ranging from vegan soaps to DecoArt samples, and amazing giveaways including a Lifestyle Crafts Epic 6 Letterpress.

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DIY! Tattooed Pumpkins

Some of you may remember this post...
{Yes,this is a repost...because I LOVE them!}

It happens to be one of my ALL TIME favorite projects...

and I have a little something similar but different being created here tomorrow...

so I thought I would post my tattooed pumpkins again.

(I am so getting every penny out of this post!)
I do wish my photos were better...but just wait until the new project!
(fingers crossed!)

Last year I did a giveaway where I received some product...and some of that was tattoo paper/kit. I really wanted to do something different. At the time neither of my kiddos were into stickers or (temporary) tattoos...so I wanted to stretch myself.
(since then Jules has taken to temporary tattoos)

PUMPKINS were my answer!

Here is a link to the Fall tablescape (from last year) with the tattooed fruit. 

Tattooed Pumpkin Tutorial
Here's what you need:

• You just need Tattoo Paper/Kit - you can find these online or at Michaels. I think they only come 1-2 sheets per pack (about $10.00)...use a coupon! (The version I am working on uses a new technique)
• Pumpkin or gourd.
• My images are from The Graphics Fairy - See below for direct links:
• Butterfly Label 
• Ornate Scrolls

NOTE: Now, I discovered that the bumpier the object {like all those ridges on a pumpkin} the trickier it is to get it to stick evenly...but it is just a learning curve...after a try or two...I got it!
Fruit works too...pears worked like a charm...and apples would be fab!

DIY IT!

• Seriously, I just followed the package directions.
• Decide on a design.
• Print it out using your computer and printer.
• Apply the adhesive.
• Cut out - with your scissors.
• Position and rub.
• Apply a moist cloth to dampen and loosen the top paper...
• ...and you are DONE!

What a great idea for a wedding!

Or any special Holiday table or occasion!

OK, now off to get some sleep

and finish up the new version!

 

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Tickled Pink No. 69

Happy Weekend!

Hi all!
My kiddos are out of school this week - I love Fall break!

We stopped by the pumpkin patch on our way home
from L.A. and the SoCal Social and had the best time!

I have a BIG OLE POST coming up about it on Monday...

and a COOL SWAG BAG Giveaway (actually 2 to giveaway!)

******************
Mark Montano joined us at the SoCal Social
and we each received a copy of his new book,
The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2! It is super fun...
you can read all about it here and you CAN WIN ONE TOO!
Just head over to the GIVEAWAY POST!

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The DIY CLUB is also having an online DIY auction called
31 Days of Hope

New offerings are previewed every day and the auction begins on 10/22!

I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
I know I have been awful at returning emails and comments.

I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone
who links up, reads, and visits. I truly appreciate it.

I LOVE the ease of sharing links on Facebook, so this is how I will make my way through Tickled Pink links. I will now get more active with that!

So, go on over and LIKE 504 Main on Facebook!

I am also inviting you to share your

link on my FaceBook wall.

Please no giveaways or etsy shops or "please follow" messages,
but whatever you link up here, feel free to share the link on my Facebook Wall.
(be sensible peeps...I reserve the right to DELETE!)
If I feature you on Facebook or twitter, be sure to grab a button HERE!

Have a GREAT weekend!

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a  poem...
a  fashion find...a  favorite product...your favorite  post...
whatever makes  your blog  fabulous!
That is what Tickled Pink is all about!
{and it does NOT have to be PINK}

<a href="http://www.504main.com"><img alt="Tickled Pink at 504 Main" src=" http://i883.photobucket.com/albums/ac35/Holly7081/Grab_button_150-1-3.jpg" /></a>

PRACTICE PINK KINDNESS
1. Link  up...whatever makes  your blog  fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? Your post does not have to be PINK!! 
2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, ****NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need  to know what the heck they are doing!}. 
4.  I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not  adhere  to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
5. Please visit at least 2 other links!

TICKLED PINK Now Has Categories
I won't banish you if you mess up, but try to link appropriately, pretty please!

Craft, DIY, Decorate
crafting, diy, decor type links

Cook, Bake, Eat
stuff to eat, cook, drink, and bake

Read, Write, Share
posts you love, stories, favorite things, ideas to share

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DIY! 5 Little Pumpkins!

Unlike most bloggers, I seriously am not a fan of decorating for the holidays.

OK, I said it are you going to kick me out of the blogger club now?

However, I still do decorate - the kids love it and love to help....

AND when it comes time for Fall and Halloween...

I LOVE PUMPKINS!

Who knows I may end up being a crazy pumpkin lady in my old age.

My kids and I spent some FUN time at this pumpkin patch yesterday. I have always wanted to stop at this place - as you drive by on the 101 freeway you can see the hillside covered with pumpkins. We scored some great pumpkins - all small or medium...
the car was PACKED to the brim so the big ones had to stay.

We scooted home with the pumpkins and we were greeted by 2 pumpkin projects I have completed for this season. And amazingly these have been done for months. Here is the first - simple (easy-peasy) version of "5 Little Pumpkins" - we sing this song all the time!

SUPPLIES 

• Canvas Corp Canvas: 1- 4x4 in canvas, 4 mini (2 canvas, 2 burlap)
• Canvas Corp Jute Rope
• DecoArt So Soft Fabric Paint, Orange*
• DecoArt Americana Acrylics, Light Avocado
• DecoArt Americana Acrylics, Ebony
• Gorilla Glue
• 1 paint stick or piece of board (I had a long paint stick)
• Burlap/Canvas/Felt - whatever you want to use for the leaves green ribbon/twill tape/buttons - just whatever you have around to add a pop of color.
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Paint brush 

DIY IT!

Check out the FULL TUTORIAL at The DIY Club!

Paint

Glue!

Embellish

What's your favorite way to decorate for Fall or Halloween?

Don't forget....ENTER TO WIN a copy of

THE BIG ASS BOOK OF CRAFTS 2 BY MARK MONTANO!

View my disclosure policy my clicking on "disclosure" in the top navigation bar.

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The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 Is HERE! There's a Giveaway 2! - GIVEAWAYCLOSED

On Saturday I helped organized the SoCal Social
and we were BEYOND excited to have a very special guest...
Mark Montano!

Not only did he join us for the entire event - to shop and to eat, he spoke to us and took Q and A from the audience...and he brought along his NEW book, The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 which comes out TODAY. I was H-A-P-PY to walk away with an autographed copy.

After a long and FABULOUS day with Mark and some cool SoCal Bloggers, back at the hotel, I dove into his book (I will be sharing all of the details from the Social soon).

Here is why I LOVE this book!
First - The title is the best! Catchy, no?

Second - There is something for everyone. From zip ties to doll heads, to art pieces to jewels and ornaments, you will find at least a bajillion "big ass" ideas in this book.

Third - The supplies for these crafts are easy to find - you do not need to special order glitter from a crazy lady living in a cave somewhere or grind your own acorns to make a special paste or anything like that!

Fourth - Mark is pretty awesome - full of energy and ideas and sincerely a cool dude to come and hang out with almost 40 ladies for the day!

Fifth - My kids and I can do some of these crafts together and a resource with cool crafts that I do not have to invent is much appreciated!

Sixth - He did not tell me I look 70 (He was the host of 10 Years Younger on TLC, after all!)...so I love him!

Today is the launch of Big Ass Book of Crafts 2

(and if you have figured it out, there is a "Big Ass Book of Crafts")

and this is your chance to support a talented designer, artist, and crafter.

You can grab it at Amazon, The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2,

or at Walmart 

or at a local book store!

OR YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN ONE RIGHT HERE!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

The Scoop...

• OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS 
• Your email must be linked to your profile or left in the comments
• Giveaway runs from RIGHT NOW through Sunday 10/16 at midnight PST
• LEAVE ONE COMMENT PER ENTRY 
• Winner has 72 hours to respond

MANDATORY ENTRY (no other entries count unless you do this one): Tell me what your favorite type of craft is in a comment here.

Extra Entries:

1. Go follow Mark's Blog or LIKE his Facebook Page (or both, one comment each) 
2. Follow 504 Main (if you do not already)...leave me a comment.
3. Tweet or facebook the giveaway...be sure to tag @504main: A Big Ass giveaway...Win the Big Ass Book of Crafts 2 by @MarkMontano from @504 Main! http://tiny.cc/g218a

Read my disclosure policy by clicking on the tab in the navigation bar under the header

GIVEAWAY CLOSED! 

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Paint and Brushes and Prizes!

There is a whole lotta of parties happening at The DIY Club this month!

All entries must take place at the post for the appropriate party at THE DIY CLUB!

YOU MAY USE ANY BRAND OF PAINT OR BRUSHES IN THE POSTS YOU LINK UP

3 of them involve paint and brushes...here is the scoop...
oh yeah and you win awesome prizes (like paint and brushes!)

It is sprucing up time around my house...so out comes the trusty spray paint. I am getting the house ready for the holidays - that means facelifts to small pieces and some crafts of course!

RULES:

You do NOT have to use Krylon spray paint–ANY BRAND can be entered. (We will tell you once you try Krylon –you will be hooked.)

You can link up your spray paint posts and you will be entered to win your very own 6 pack variety of Krylon spray paint products.

HOW DO YOU ENTER?  

 You must click to follow The DIY Club

Please add our 31 days of Spray Paint button in your post.

You may enter as many posts/projects as you like.

FOR THIS CHALLENGE-you may enter projects that have been entered in our monthly contest.

ENTER THE 31 DAYS OF SPRAY PAINT HERE! 

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Have you ever talked about Paint Brushes? Maybe it was a not a full post dedicated to them but one where you discussed the pros (or cons) or particular brushes or a comparison?

You don’t have to have even used our favorite brand of paintbrushes. 

You can link up a paint brush post and be entered to win your very own set of Purdy paintbrushes.

HOW DO YOU ENTER? 

You must click to follow The DIY Club

Please add our 31 days of Paint Brushes button in your post. 

You may enter as many posts/projects as you like.

FOR THIS CHALLENGE-you may enter projects that have been entered in our monthly contest.

ENTER THE 31 DAYS OF SPRAY BRUSHES HERE! 

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Paint the Walls with pretty colors (sing that to the tune of deck the halls, OK?)

Now is the time to show us what you have done with your paint - furniture, walls, ceilings - whatever, we want to see it!

The winner will get 2 gallons of Dutch Boy paint–so get painting.

HOW DO YOU ENTER? 

You must click to follow The DIY Club

 Please add our 31 days of Painting button in your post.

You may enter as many posts/projects as you like.

FOR THIS CHALLENGE-you may enter projects that have been entered in our monthly contest.

ENTER THE 31 DAYS OF PAINT HERE! 

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REMEMBER IT IS ALL HAPPENING AT The DIY Club.

So, head on over there!

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